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This is a book about Simon the backstage cat. He rides with his leading lady to every rehearsal and performance. And while we follow Simon’s adventures, we learn a bit about that magical realm behind the curtains. The book is recommended for ages 5 to 7 and a great way to introduce your kids to the world backstage.
In Backstage Cat, a runaway kitty named Simon introduces kids to what it takes to put on a show and have a moment in the spotlight.
This lovely children’s book will delight your little readers and give them an enchanting peek into the fascinating world behind the curtains.
They will discover that sometimes life backstage can be far more exciting and interesting than life onstage. Or at least equally so.
Additionally, to showing children the world backstage, the book also highlights the value of friendship and helping each other when Simon goes exploring beyond the stage door and gets stuck on a tree.
Adult theatre practitioners as well as cat lovers like me, might want to look through this beautifully written and illustrated book as well sometimes.
“Simon is a backstage cat, feted and adored by her superstar theatre actress. But one evening, as his mistress goes on stage, the cat decides to nip out the stage door. A loud bang gives Simon the fright of his life and – zoom! – he’s soon up a tree where an entire army of theatre personal attempt to lure him down. This is a beautiful story about the importance of friendship and sticking together.”
“A theatrical superstar goes everywhere with her beloved cat, and usually he’s quite content to be pampered in the dressing room while his mistress sings on stage. However, one day when the door’s left open a tiny crack, Simon ventures out into the world backstage. It’s a world unlike any other, full of odd sights and sounds (and probably smells) and Simon is very intrigued. But things get a lot more interesting when Simon spots something that really shouldn’t be there. A mouse, scurrying amongst the scenery.”
Gorgeously naive imagery, by illustrator Jenni Desmond, lends this story a wistful look that will enchant both kids and adults.
Harriet Ziefert’s entertaining story gives Jenni Desmond plenty of scope for doing something she is an absolute expert at – conveying the sense of busy chaotic and frenetic action that takes place when cats start to misbehave.
And, of course, also giving us an interesting insight into the inner workings of a theatre production as we get to find out that the star on stage isn’t the only person involved.
An utterly beautiful book combining Ziefert’s concise and expert observations with Desmond’s utterly beautiful illustrative style.
Backstage Cat on Goodreads
Buy it on Amazon.com
Kid’s Book Review on Backstage Cat
Insights by Illustrator Jenni Desmond
Review on ReadItDaddy
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Liam Klenk was born in Central Europe and has since lived on four continents. Liam has always been engaged in creative pursuits, ranging from photography and graphic design, to writing short stories and poetry, to working in theatre and shows. In 2016, Liam published his first book and memoir, 'Paralian'.
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